Ensuring data security and data integrity for a start-up in Nairobi, Kenya

Background

mSurvey provides insight about emerging markets where information is difficult to access. The mSurvey technology developed and patented at MIT solves the problem of tracking products and services in emerging markets. Companies and organizations spend significant amounts of money trying to get products and services to distant areas in the emerging markets due to inefficiencies and lack of infrastructure. mSurvey makes the process efficient and cost effective through data analysis tools and mobile applications. mSurvey currently operates out of Nairobi, Kenya, scaling across East Africa, Central, and West Africa, with our primary business location in New York City.

The Challenge

We face the immediate challenges of scaling, data security, and data integrity. As a start-up, we have limited resources and would like to share the experience and excitement with our colleagues at MIT. MIT students will gain firsthand knowledge of developing technological solutions for emerging markets. We are connected directly to the telecommunication networks offering the successful candidate leverage to develop robust solutions to scale across Africa.

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Qualifications, Preferences, and Assets

Time Constraints

As we scale rapidly, we need to have enthusiastic and problem solving candidates on board to help build out robust and sustainable solutions. However, we are looking to have students come to Kenya as soon as IAP 2013 and Summer 2013.

PSC Support

MIT students who develop projects around these ideas may apply for support from the Public Service Center's Internships or Grants programs. Please check the program descriptions and deadlines and talk to program staff to determine which is most appropriate for your needs and project.

If you want to volunteer or you have funding from outside the PSC that enables you to work on this project, that's great! However, please do let us know if you work on a project you saw advertised here, even if you don't use our funds. And remember, the PSC staff is happy to advise on service projects even if we are not funding them ourselves.